Types & Components of Computer Systems

Question 1

Hardware

Definition

Answer 1

physical components of a
computer system

Question 2

Internal Components

Physical Components

Answer 2

Central Processing Unit (CPU), Processor, Motherboard

Question 3

Internal Memory

Physical Components

Answer 3

Random access memory (RAM), Read-only memory (ROM)

Question 4

Software

Definition

Answer 4

are programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data

Question 5

Applications Software

Definition

Answer 5

provides the services that the
user requires to solve a task

Question 6

Applications Software

Examples

Answer 6

word processing, spreadsheet, database management
systems, control, measurement, applets and apps,
video editing, graphics editing, audio editing,
computer aided design (CAD)

Question 7

System Software

Definition

Answer 7

provides the services that the
computer requires to operate

Question 8

System Software

Examples

Answer 8

compilers,
linkers, device drivers, operating systems and utilities

Question 9

Analogue data

characteristics

Answer 9

use a continuous variety of amplitude values

Question 10

Digital Data

characteristics

Answer 10

it can only have discrete, discontinuous values

Question 11

Analogue vs Digital [data]

Differences

Answer 11

Analogue data is physical data that changes smoothly from one value to the next, and not in discrete steps as with digital data.

Question 12

Analogue vs Digital [data]

the need to convert

Answer 12

• analogue to digital data so it can be processed by a computer
• digital data to analogue data so it can be used to control devices

Question 13

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Function

Answer 13

The CPU ‘controls’ what the computer does and is responsible for performing calculations and data processing. It also handles the movement of data to and from system memory.

brain of the computer

Question 14

RAM vs ROM

Differences

Answer 14

• Data of RAM is very volatile, it will exist as long as there is no interruption in power.
• Data present in Read-Only Memory (ROM) is not volatile, it is permanent. Data will remain unchanged even when there is a disruption in the power supply.

Question 15

RAM

Characteristics

Answer 15

• RAM is used to temporarily store information that is currently in use by the computer. This can include anything from word documents to videos.
• RAM can be read from and written to and so the information stored in RAM can change all the time (it depends what tasks you are using the computer for).
• RAM is a fast memory. Data can be written to and read from RAM very quickly. RAM is generally measured in GB (Gigabytes).

Question 16

ROM

Characteristics

Answer 16

• ROM is used to permanently store instructions that tell the computer how to boot (start up). It also loads the operating system (e.g. Windows).
• These instructions are known as the BIOS (Basic input/output system) or the boot program.
• Information stored in ROM is known as READ ONLY. This means that the contents of ROM cannot be altered or added to by the user.
• ROM is fast memory. Data stored in ROM can be accessed and read very quickly.

Question 17

Input vs Output [device]

Differences

Answer 17

• INPUT : It is a hardware device and is used to key in the data, instructions or commands, into the computer
• OUTPUT : It is a hardware component, and it uses the data that is has received from the computer to carry out a task

Question 18

Input

Characteristics

Answer 18

• Input devices are pieces of hardware that get raw data into the computer ready for processing.
• Processing involves taking raw data and turning it into more useful information.
• Input devices fall into two categories:

1. Manual Input Devices - Need to be operated by a human to input information
2. Automatic Input Devices - Can input information on their own.

Question 18

Output

Characteristics

Answer 18

• When inputted raw data has been processed it becomes usable information. Output devices are pieces of hardware that send this usable information out of the computer.
• Some output devices send information out temporarily and some send information out permanently:

1. Temporary Output Devices : E.g. Monitors which constantly refresh the outputted image on the screen
2. Permanent Output Devices - E.g. Printers which output information onto paper as a hard copy.

Question 19

Backing Storage vs Internal Memory

Differences

Answer 19

Memory is fast to access, but only holds data temporarily… Backing storage (sometimes known as secondary storage) is non-volatile data storage that will retain a computer’s data even after the computer is powered off

Question 20

Backing Storage

Characteristics

Answer 20

• Secondary storage devices are used to store data that is not instantly needed by the computer.
• Secondary storage devices permanently store data and programs for as long as we need. These devices are also used to back-up data in case original copies are lost or damaged.

There are two categories of storage devices:

1. Internal Storage - Internal Hard Disk Drives
2. External Storage - External Hard Disk Drive, Memory Stick etc